Photos courtesy of Castelletto di Montebenichi
Historians believe that people from nearby Etruscan-Roman villages built the first castle on the site of Montebenichi—one of many defensive fortresses in this strategically important valley between Siena and Arezzo. One of the first family names associated with the castle was the Ubertini family, who were given authority over the castle from the Duke of Tuscany in the early 13th century.
Since Montebenichi was on the border between Siena and Florence, it often suffered from constant fighting, causing all the minor vassals to sell their castles to the churches and monasteries and leave. In 1308, the Sienese, with 2,000 soldiers and 300 more mounted on horses, besieged Montebenichi. Azzone Ubertini finally sold the castle for 3,162 gold florins to the Florentine Republic.
In 1478 the Aragonese in alliance with the Papal army attacked Florence, and Montebenichi was sacked and set on fire after a fierce resistance by its inhabitants.
By the 16th century, Montebenichi had a new master: Captain Gregorio Stendardi, known as “Goro di Montebenichi.” Famed for his heroic exploits as a mercenary of the last Republic of Florence, he built a grand house outside the original fortress walls. His descendants maintained possession of Montebenichi until 1860, when all orders of knighthood were abolished. In 1901, Salvadore Malesci, a painter from Florence, restored the main tower of the original fortress that became the building known as “Castelletto.”
Montebenichi figures in a 16th-century map of Europe, which hangs in the office of Philip II in the El Escorial in Spain, underscoring its importance during the Middle Ages.
Pamela’s Perspective
The hotel doesn’t have its own restaurant, but there’s a little trattoria in the village. You’ll need a reservation. Other dining options are about 20 minutes away by car.
The hotel isn’t suitable for children under age 14. Also, because Montebenichi is located on a hill (like many small villages in Tuscany), if you have trouble walking on steep streets, you might find the surrounding area challenging.
Castelletto di Montebenichi
A 12th-century castle
Contact
Localitá Montebenichi
52021 Bucine
(Arezzo)
Tel: ++39 055
9910 110
Fax: ++39 055 9910 113
Hotel website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
9 rooms, including 3 suites
Double rooms: 250–360 euros
Open: from third week of April until beginning of November
Getting there
Montebenichi is about 40 km west of Arezzo and 80 km southeast of Florence. The most best way to reach the castle (and enjoy its surroundings) is by car.
What to do
On site: swimming pool; sauna; gym; library
Nearby: hiking; horseback riding; hot air ballooning; polo games; wine, oil and cheese tasting; cooking classes; castle and church visiting; Siena; Arezzo
If you’re looking for a romantic, hidden-away Tuscan castle with gorgeous furnishings and an utterly stunning view, Castelletto di Montebenichi may just be the place.
Off the beaten path in the Chianti region, you’ll pass vineyards and olive groves before winding up a narrow road to the top of a hill and the tiny, medieval village of Montebenichi where you’ll find the castle facing a small plaza.
The atmosphere here is both elegant and relaxed. Marco, your personable host who has a profound knowledge of Tuscany, will happily recommend how to best enjoy the area--from wine tastings and cooking classes to a precious church unknown to the tourist masses. You’re only 1/2 hour away from Siena, which you can even see on a clear day.
Inside the castle you’ll find fine paintings, sculptures, bronzes, restored frescoes and pieces of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan pottery throughout the public rooms.
You can fix your own drink at an open bar and simply enjoy the 360º view of distant mountains and valleys on a rooftop terrace.
Guest rooms are uniquely decorated in a combination of period artwork, antiques, and contemporary furniture. Many of them have rough-hewn beamed ceilings. Bathrooms are equipped with showers and/or baths, accented by travertine marble from local quarries. Views can be of the valley, hills, or town rooftops. (The mini-suite is located in a nearby building.) You’ll find DVD players, satellite TV, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning in each room.
Montebenichi is extraordinarily quiet at night. Upon waking up, make your way over to the first floor of the castle and take a seat in the fantastic loggia with beautiful arched windows on three sides. Full of sunlight, it’s here where you’ll enjoy a buffet breakfast before starting your day.
Something special
Personalized service by your host Marco